IKEA teams up with NASA to get ideas for its future furniture

Collaborating with the American space experts at NASA, IKEA is trying to figure out a way to develop furniture for people living in densely populated areas. It has sent its in-house design team to the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah, America to live in a simulated Mars habitat for three days. It will help them gain a deeper understanding of what it’s like to live in the inhospitable and cramped environments.

the experience of living on Mars to life on Earth

“It’s a crazy, fun experience. We’re basically completely isolated for three days to get a taste of what astronauts go through for three years. It’s almost like that misery you feel when you’re out camping. But of course, it’s great to be able to sit down and really spend time with amazingly creative people. That in itself is a luxury,” IKEA Creative Leader, Michael Nikolic says.

Although hoping to contribute to NASA in some way during this project, the Swedish furniture company is initially interested in figuring out a way to apply the knowledge and experience of living on Mars to life on Earth.

“I think that the essence of this collection will be about appreciating what we have on Earth: human beings, plants clean water and air. But also diversity and a sense of belonging – things that we take for granted on a daily basis. After this journey, it’ll probably feel pretty awesome to come home to my own bed,” says Michael Nikolic.

However, it is still unclear whether or not the furniture they are going to create will be space-themed or inspired by the experience.